Articles tagged with Archeological Sites
A team of scientists uncovered evidence of a rapid development of cultural complexity along the Pacific coast of Peru, challenging previous theories. The excavation revealed intricate baskets, tools, and textiles that indicate a high level of organization and social status among early humans in the region.
A recent study challenges GIS credibility in assessing shoreline erosion to archaeological sites, highlighting the need for more current imagery sources and semi-regular updates. The research suggests that while GIS can be useful in identifying areas at risk, its limitations due to volatile weather conditions must be acknowledged.
A new species of ancient snake, Zilantophis schuberti, has been discovered in eastern Tennessee with distinctive wing-shaped projections on its vertebrae. The species lived around 5 million years ago and is closely related to rat snakes and kingsnakes.
Scientists at Max-Planck Institute develop new method to retrieve hominin DNA from cave sediments, revealing genetic affiliations of ancient humans. The discovery sheds light on human evolution, allowing researchers to uncover the genetic history of extinct species like Neandertals and Denisovans.
A field campaign on Ellef Ringnes Island revealed over 130 methane seep mounds in Cretaceous age sediments, indicating a significant release of methane during climate warming. The discovery supports concerns of potential destabilization of modern methane hydrates and has important implications for the Arctic Ocean's warming.
The discovery of three new species and insights into a fourth indicates the Palaeothentidae family was diverse and widespread across South America as recently as 13 million years ago. The findings complicate existing theories about their extinction, suggesting it may not have been a slow process.
Researchers have identified ancient fava beans in Northern Israel, dating back 14,000 years, to understand the evolution of the crop and improve its biodiversity. The findings provide crucial clues about the time and place where wild faba plants grew naturally.
A decorated raven bone from the Zaskalnaya VI site in Crimea features two intentionally made notches, suggesting a visually consistent pattern. Researchers believe these modifications may have been symbolic additions used by Neanderthals to display a specific design.
Researchers uncover 16 million-year-old fossils of a small crocodile, Diplocynodon ratelii, which is similar to modern-day caimans. The discovery provides new insights into the early Miocene ecosystem in Catalonia, Spain.
A team of researchers has discovered the oldest fossil human cranium in Portugal, dating back 400,000 years. The cranium is significant because it is well-dated and associated with abundant faunal remains and stone tools, including bifaces.
Researchers found platinum in soil layers coinciding with the Younger-Dryas climatic period, which may indicate an extraterrestrial impact event. The discovery contributes to evidence of a potential cosmic impact that occurred around 12,800 years ago and may have led to the extinction of Clovis people and animals.
New research reveals that Neanderthals at the El Sidrón site in Asturias, Spain, consumed a diverse diet including wild mushrooms, pine nuts, and moss. Genetic analysis of dental plaque found no evidence of meat consumption, contradicting earlier theories.
A new study reveals that plants domesticated by pre-Columbian peoples are more likely to dominate Amazonian forests, with 85 species showing significant impacts from past human influence. The research suggests a lasting impact of human activities on plant distribution and could aid in uncovering unidentified areas of past civilization.
A new study suggests that ancient peoples domesticated tree species thousands of years ago, which are now more common in mature upland forests. The research found that a quarter of these domesticated species dominate large expanses of forest and are vital for the livelihood and economy of Amazonian peoples.
A new study reveals that pre-Colombian peoples played a significant role in shaping modern-day Amazonian biodiversity. The research found that 85 domesticated tree species, including cacao and Brazil nut, were five times more common in forests near ancient settlements.
A team of researchers has confirmed the ancient origins of pointillist techniques used by artists like Seurat and Van Gogh. The discovery of 16 engraved limestone blocks in France's Vézère Valley, dated to 38,000 years ago, provides evidence of this form of image-making with Europe's earliest human culture.
A team of archaeologists and biological anthropologists have discovered that a matrilineal dynasty likely ruled Pueblo Bonito in New Mexico for over 300 years. The study, published in Nature Communications, used radiocarbon dating and ancient DNA analysis to show that the leadership was inherited through the maternal line.
Researchers refuted the notion that Indian corn was cultivated hundreds of years before its widespread adoption at around 1000 A.D. in the American Bottom region. The study used accelerated mass spectrometry to directly date plant fragments, revealing that corn was not widely consumed until 900 or later.
A new study examines marine pebble tools from an Upper Paleolithic burial site in Italy and finds that flat, oblong pebbles were brought up from the beach, used as spatulas to apply ochre paste, then broken and discarded. The intent may have been to 'kill' the tools, thereby discharging their symbolic power.
A new fossil site in Canada has yielded exceptionally preserved Jurassic marine fossils, including soft-bodied species that rarely fossilize. The site, known as a Konservat-Lagerstätte, offers a unique snapshot of life in the Early Jurassic Panthalassa Ocean.
Researchers have developed a high-precision chronology that sheds new light on the Maya collapse patterns, with both Classic and Preclassic collapses following similar trajectories.
A new analysis of an archaeological site in Tibet suggests that permanent residents may have set up camp thousands of years earlier than previously thought. The study's findings support previous genetic research and propose that the region's wet climate may have enabled permanent pre-agricultural peopling.
Researchers redate human settlement in Tibet, pushing back timeline by thousands of years; new findings suggest permanent residence may have been established due to wetter climate, enabling pre-agricultural peopling of the plateau.
Archaeologists have discovered a collection of 55 species of edible plants, including seeds, fruits, nuts, and tubers, at the Gesher Benot Ya'aqov site in Israel. The finds, dated to 780,000 years ago, provide evidence of the plant-based diet of early humans during the Acheulian culture.
Archaeological remains in wetlands are threatened by rapid organic decay caused by acidic conditions. Researchers urge reevaluation of site preservation strategies and recommend urgent excavations to retrieve valuable artifacts.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that Upper Paleolithic humans might have exploited cave lions for their pelts, leading to their eventual extinction. The researchers analyzed fossilized toe bones from the La Garma site and found evidence of human modification, which they believe could be part of a single lion pelt.
Researchers from UK universities are launching a project to digitally reconstruct archaeological sites destroyed or damaged due to conflict, cultural vandalism, and natural disasters. The 'Curious Travellers' initiative aims to collect publicly donated content to recreate 3D models of monuments and ancient sites.
A rare fossil site in Belgium reveals that ancient placoderms, extinct armored fish, used a common nursery for juvenile development. The site's immature fossils show slow-moving and shallow water conditions ideal for young fish growth.
The Artazu VII site contains at least 40 species of micro- and macro-vertebrates, including extinct species like cave lion and steppe bison, preserved in anatomical connection. The site reflects the fauna in the area during the Upper Pleistocene epoch, providing high-resolution palaeoecological and palaeoenvironmental insights.
Researchers found that shell middens and fire used by coastal First Nations people improved forest health through increased nutrients and soil drainage. This finding challenges the common perception of human impact on the environment.
Archaeologists have discovered a rare Etruscan inscription naming female goddess Uni, possibly the patron deity of the Poggio Colla cult. The 500-pound stele contains one of the longest Etruscan texts ever found, shedding light on ancient fertility rituals and writing systems.
A team of researchers found that 81% of spherical stone objects from South Africa's Cave of Hearths site were optimal for hitting a target at a 25-meter distance. The stones were likely used as projectile weapons for hunting and defense due to their throwing affordance.
A multi-disciplinary team analyzed the Piltdown specimens using DNA and 3D X-ray imaging, revealing that an orang-utan specimen was used to create the fakes. The forgeries were created using a consistent method, suggesting the perpetrator acted alone, with some researchers now accusing Charles Dawson of being the 'lone forger'.
Researchers from the University of New Hampshire have developed a geospatial approach to better understand the roles of pre-European archaeological monument sites in Michigan. By utilizing a modeling technique called Maximum Entropy, they were able to identify the distinct niches occupied by burial mounds and circular earthwork enclosu...
A recent reanalysis of the beaded burial at Mound 72 in Cahokia reveals that it includes both males and females of high status. The findings challenge earlier interpretations that saw this feature as a monument to male power, instead suggesting a more complex nobility structure.
A new study at Cahokia reveals the 'beaded burial' feature includes both males and females of high status, challenging earlier interpretations. The analysis confirms the presence of male-female pairs in the mass graves, suggesting a nobility with equal representation of males and females.
Researchers discovered multiple assemblages of Homo erectus footprints in northern Kenya, preserving evidence of a modern human style of walking and group structure consistent with human-like social behaviours. The findings provide direct insight into the locomotor patterns and group dynamics of our fossil ancestors.
Researchers found that Brazilian capuchins used stones as hand-held hammers and anvils to pound open hard foods, creating recognizable cashew processing sites. The tools were made from smooth, hard quartzite stones and dark-colored residues confirmed the use of cashew nuts.
A 12,000-year-old funeral feast in northern Israel provides insight into the dynamics of ritual performance and community engagement. The discovery sheds light on the Natufian period's significant pre-planning and socially complex rituals.
Researchers found domestic goats in the Southern Caucasus match with wild goats from the Fertile Crescent, suggesting introduction of already-domesticated goats. Genetic sequencing reveals sudden cultural changes and agriculture adoption around 7,500-8,000 years ago.
Researchers discover fossils of hominins similar in size to 'hobbits' but at least ten times older, dating back 700,000 years. The findings suggest a striking similarity between the Mata Menge hominins and Liang Bua hobbits, hinting at a possible ancestral relationship.
A research group discovered a Great Platform in San Andrés, El Salvador, which indicates the southeastern Maya people's ability to recover and rebuild after the devastating Ilopango eruption. The platform, built with different stone types, suggests an external cultural connection and cooperative relations beyond cultural boundaries.
Researchers used high-tech laser scanning, photogrammetry, and 3D mapping to create a detailed digital representation of the Rising Star Cave System and Dinaledi Chamber. The precise reconstruction provides new insights into the chamber's structure and location, as well as the fossil site's formation processes.
Researchers have discovered stone tools and faunal remains at the Page-Ladson site in Florida that date back around 14,550 years, challenging the long-held timeline for human settlement in the region. The findings provide strong evidence that humans and megafauna coexisted for at least 2,000 years.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have made new discoveries about how ancient Maya commoners conserved water for drinking and irrigation. The study, using LiDAR technology, found evidence of over 100 small reservoirs in a Maya site, with three confirmed as water features.
Researchers developed mathematical models to identify areas in Australia with high potential for fossil discovery. The models combined factors such as species distribution, geological suitability, and ease of discovery to predict ideal locations for fossil hunting.
Archaeologists discovered a 11,000-year-old quarry in central Israel that demonstrates the significant impact of humans on the landscape during the transition to farming. The site, dated to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A culture, shows evidence of large-scale quarrying activities for flint and limestone tool manufacturing.
A 6th century BCE sandstone slab unearthed from an Etruscan temple in Italy holds a rare and lengthy inscription, likely revealing details about Etruscan worship of a god or goddess. The discovery is significant as most Etruscan discoveries are grave and funeral objects, making this find extraordinary.
New fossils from Kenya reveal Australopithecus afarensis lived beyond Great Rift Valley and farther than previously thought. The discovery sheds light on the species' adaptability and distribution range.
Archaeologists have uncovered an 11,000-year-old engraved shale pendant at the Early Mesolithic site of Star Carr in North Yorkshire. The subtriangular artifact contains series of lines that may represent a tree or tally marks, and is the earliest known Mesolithic art in Britain.
Excavations in the Jordan Valley revealed a prehistoric village with cultural characteristics typical of both the Old Stone Age and the New Stone Age. The site shows evidence of artistic tradition, size, and investment in architecture more typical of early agricultural communities.
Drones are being used to monitor site destruction and looting in the present, providing quantifiable evidence for the rate of ongoing damage. Morag Kersel's research has shown that drones can be an effective tool for archaeologists to document excavation, map landscapes, and identify buried features.
The discovery suggests that Knossos rapidly grew and thrived after the collapse of the socio-political system around 1200 BC. The site was found to have a range of imports from mainland Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Italy, Sardinia, and the western Mediterranean.
Researchers used MRI and CT scans on human hearts over 400 years old to identify signs of heart disease, such as plaque and atherosclerosis. Three of the five hearts showed evidence of disease, while one appeared healthy.
Researchers detected beeswax in ancient pottery vessels from over 150 European archaeological sites, indicating a widespread association between early farmers and honeybees. This discovery pushes back the chronology of human-honeybee association to substantially earlier dates.
Researchers from Mainz University excavate the ancient Elamite site of Haft Tappeh, discovering a mass grave containing hundreds of skeletal remains, indicating a tragic event in the city's history. The excavation sheds light on the urban development and trade relations of the city during its peak.
A Dartmouth-led study analyzing satellite imagery of nearly 1,300 archaeological sites in Syria finds that the Kurdish YPG, opposition forces, and Syrian regime have also been major players in the devastation. War-related looting is most widespread in areas with weak centralized authority.
The discovery of Homo naledi reveals a unique combination of anatomy in its hand and foot, indicating adaptation for both tree climbing and walking. The hand shows powerful grasping abilities and use of stone tools, while the foot shares features with modern humans but has more curved toe bones.
A fossil monkey specimen representing the earliest baboon ever found has been discovered in South Africa, dated between 2-2.36 million years ago. The partial skull confirms earlier suggestions that the fossil baboon species is closely related to modern baboons and may be the earliest known members of the Papio hamadryas species.
A study analyzing over 4,000 fossil bones from the Dikika site in Ethiopia confirms that marks on two 3.4 million-year-old animal bones were caused by butchery with stone tools, not trampling. The findings support a previous interpretation published in Nature in 2010 and provide new evidence for human evolution.